Durack MHR Melissa Price urges Government to support renewable projects from the start

Durack MHR Melissa Price claims the Federal Government is failing to support renewable projects from the start, following the handing down of the Budget this week. The Federal Budget announcement was highlighted by eases to cost-of-living pressures through tax cuts and power credits. Meanwhile, some Mid West companies could benefit from the Albanese Government’s investment in renewable energy, with $19.7 billion put aside over the next 10 years and $8b to be invested in hydrogen. However, Ms Price said organisations in the Mid West needed more support in order to get off the ground. “New Mid West hydrogen and critical minerals projects might get some benefit from the proposed tax credit if the program becomes law,” she said. “However, a 10 per cent tax reduction may not be enough to encourage these projects to get started and I want to see a return to the Coalition government’s approach in supporting these projects up front. “It is crucial that these projects get off the ground quickly and are not tied up in red or green tape.” Across regional WA, there is investment towards the regional road safety program ($54 million) and towards the Great Northern Highway’s Brooking Channel Bridge at Fitzroy Crossing ($53.6 million). However, Ms Price said there was nothing specific going towards the Mid West as part of this year’s Budget. “The Mid West will be disappointed with the Albanese Government’s Budget,” she said. “At a time when Australians are battling with a cost-of-living crisis, the last thing we needed was a reckless Labor Government spending an extra $315 billion. “This does nothing to bring down inflation, without which we will not see a reduction in interest rates.” Mid West residents are set to receive a combined $700 in power credits this financial year, with the WA Government contributing $400 per household as part of last week’s State Budget and the Commonwealth $300. There has also been a 10 per cent increase to the Commonwealth’s rent assistance maximum rates. Ms Price acknowledged it would help some people in the Mid West, but believed not enough was being done. “This Budget has failed to take the pressure off Mid West families,” she said. “Some may appreciate the $300 electricity credit and the slight increase in rental assistance, however, for many Mid West families and businesses, this won’t even touch the sides.” Ms Price said she wanted to see funding for a Geraldton jetty as well as upgrades for the Geraldton-Mt Magnet road. “I understand the Cook Labor Government are planning on asking the Albanese Labor Government to fund the upgrade of the Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road, which is in terrible condition, however, I am yet to see any confirmation of this,” she said.